eMalahleni in Mourning: Two Women Die After Being Set Alight in Horrific Domestic Violence Attack
Viable News Team 
Image: Source
By [Viable Media]
Sunday, August 3, 2025 | eMalahleni, Mpumalanga
Two women who were the victims of a horrific act of domestic violence in eMalahleni have tragically succumbed to their injuries, weeks after being doused with petrol and set alight. The brutal attack, which occurred in July, has left the community shocked and mourning, while once again drawing national attention to the scourge of gender-based violence in South Africa.
The victims have been identified as Nompumelelo Gumede, the mother of the alleged perpetrator’s children, and his sister, Antoinette Hill, who attempted to intervene during the attack.
According to authorities and eyewitness accounts, the accused, 35-year-old Mpumelelo Hill, launched the assault on Gumede at a private residence in eMalahleni. In what appears to have been a premeditated act, he reportedly poured petrol on her and set her alight. When his sister Antoinette tried to stop him and assist Nompumelelo, she too was doused and burned.
Both women sustained severe burn injuries and were immediately hospitalized. Despite weeks of intensive care and treatment, their conditions deteriorated. Doctors confirmed over the weekend that both women had died as a result of the extensive burns.
Hill, who was arrested shortly after the incident, has already made an appearance in court. Prosecutors revealed that he faces multiple charges, including double murder, attempted murder (in relation to others at the scene), and arson. He was denied bail during his initial court appearance at the eMalahleni Magistrates’ Court, with the court citing the severity of the offense and public interest.
Community members gathered outside the courthouse during the hearing, holding placards demanding justice and calling for harsher punishments for perpetrators of gender-based violence. Several civil society groups have also joined the call, insisting that Hill’s case be handled as a high-priority matter.
eNCA journalist Bafedile Moerane visited the devastated family shortly after the attack. Speaking to relatives, it was clear the wounds both physical and emotional were still raw.
“She had gone through so much already,” said a cousin of Nompumelelo Gumede. “She stayed in the relationship because she wanted her children to grow up with both parents. We never imagined it would end like this.”
Family members of Antoinette Hill described her as brave and selfless. “She didn’t think twice about putting herself in harm’s way to save her sister-in-law. That’s the kind of person she was always helping others,” a relative shared through tears.
The children of Nompumelelo and Mpumelelo Hill are now left without a mother, and their father is behind bars facing serious charges. Social workers have reportedly been deployed to provide trauma counseling and assess the children’s immediate needs.
The incident has further amplified growing concern over South Africa’s alarming rates of domestic abuse and femicide. Statistics from the South African Police Service (SAPS) show that a woman is murdered every four hours in the country many by intimate partners or former lovers.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously described gender-based violence as “the second pandemic” facing South Africa. Despite new laws and dedicated funds to combat the crisis, many activists argue that not enough is being done to protect women especially in vulnerable communities.
“This case is another chilling reminder of what women in this country endure, often in silence,” said a spokesperson from a local women’s rights NGO. “We need urgent systemic change, more protection, more education, and swifter justice.”
Funeral arrangements for both victims are underway, with community leaders planning memorial services in their honor. Several local churches and support groups have come forward to assist the family, offering food parcels, counseling, and assistance with burial costs.
Authorities have urged anyone experiencing domestic abuse or who suspects someone is in danger to speak out and report it immediately. The Department of Social Development has also reminded the public of the GBV Command Centre, which operates 24/7 to provide assistance.
As the criminal case against Mpumelelo Hill proceeds, the family, friends, and residents of eMalahleni are left to grapple with the pain of an unspeakable act and the hope that justice will prevail.
About the Author
